Schwartz, John J. (1870-1958)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1958 Nov 20 p. 8

Birth date: 1870 Aug 8

text of obituary:

JOHN J. SCHWARTZ

John J. Schwartz was born in Russia on August 8, 1870, and in 1874 came with his parents to the United States. He grow [sic] up on his parents' homestead about 30 miles north of Yankton, South Dakota.

He married Caroline Kirshman on Jan. 14, 1892, and lived near Freeman, S. D. until 1910 when he and his family moved to Montana, being among the first pioneers of a German American settlement north of Bloomfield. He was active in building of the Bethlehem Mennonite Church of which he and his family became charter members. He served as its first Sunday school superintendent, choir director, and in other official capacities.

He died of a lingering illness in Glendive hospital Oct. 10, 1958 having attained the age of 88 years, two months, and two days.

He is survived by three sons and four daughters, Henry of Chicago, Edwin and Hardwick, both of Richey, Mont., Mrs. Ida Schultz of Glendive, Mrs. Herbert Cayer of Savage, Mrs. Edward Preheim of Marion, S. D., Mrs. Joe Delaney of Williston, N. D.; 17 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren; a sister, Mrs. Carrie Gering of Mountain Lake, Minn.; and a brother, Johnathan [sic Jonathan] Schwartz of Glendive.

His wife preceded him in death in 1953. A daughter, Mrs. Lydia Gering, also preceded him in that same year.

“For God, who hath commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (II Cor. 4:6).